Boat How

About Boat How

Rising above the village of Boot, this undulating tract of Eskdale Moor is defined by its remarkable prehistoric heritage. The summit is a rugged outcrop providing a quiet vantage point over the ancient stone circles of Burnmoor, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Scafell massif and the deep trench of Miterdale.

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Did You Know?

• •The name Boat How combines the Old Norse 'haugr', meaning a hill or mound, with a descriptive prefix likely referring to the shape of the summit rocks. When viewed from the surrounding moor, the outcrop resembles the hull of an upturned boat.
• •In his 'Outlying Fells of Lakeland', Alfred Wainwright described the fell as a 'happy hunting ground' for walkers. He specifically recommended the hill for its 'proliferation of ancient remains', noting that the archaeological interest far outweighs the modest effort of the climb.
• •The fell is home to one of the most significant Bronze Age landscapes in the Lake District. Known as the Burnmoor stone circles, this collection of five separate monuments, including the large Brat’s Hill circle, suggests the plateau was a major ceremonial centre thousands of years ago.
• •The summit offers an excellent perspective on the southern fells of the Scafell range. To the north, the massive silhouettes of Scafell and Slight Side loom directly over the waters of Burnmoor Tarn, while to the west, the fell drops away into the secluded, wooded depths of Miterdale.
• •While the name might suggest a nautical theme, the only water you are likely to encounter is the notorious bog of Eskdale Moor; any vessel found at this altitude would imply a very optimistic interpretation of the local drainage.